Introduction
Change often does not occur instantaneously, and, in many cases, people must recognize a problem to start working on it. During this process, one may go through several steps, including accepting, supporting, and actively participating in solving an issue or otherwise altering the current situation. However, I believe that the most important element is the initial understanding that change is necessary because it can become the catalyst for further actions.
Why Acceptance of the Need for Change Is the Most Important Part of Transformation
Further change is challenging to achieve in a scenario where a problem is present but not realized. The correct mindset is needed to start thinking about how to solve an existing issue, and recognizing that something is not right is the first step to altering one’s thoughts about it. The example discussed in the book by The Arbinger Institute (2019) showcases, that the lack of problem recognition often prevents people from changing it because they do not think about the potential actions or their outcomes. SWAT team members do not believe that changing the behavior of children is possible and necessary, thus not considering a way to improve the situation (The Arbinger Institute, 2019). In contrast, noticing an issue and accepting that it needs to be handled opens a person up to further investigation.
Conclusion
Nonetheless, one may recognize a problem and confirm that it exists but refuse to acknowledge the necessity of change. This complacency to the current circumstances is unlikely to persuade a person to alter the situation. By accepting the need for change, an individual begins to regard the problem as undesirable, further influencing them to be receptive to new solutions. Based on this argument, I think that recognition and agreement that change is required is the most crucial element of openness because it drives other actions and contributes to the formation of an active and engaged mindset.
Reference
The Arbinger Institute. (2019). The outward mindset: Seeing beyond ourselves (2nd ed.). Berrett-Koehler Publishers.